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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: libindaniel2000 on August 03, 2010, 11:13:31 PM

Title: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 03, 2010, 11:13:31 PM
Hi,
I read up the forum on having LEDs for the speedo and tachometer along with the indicator lights (neutral, engine oil, turn signal and high beam) and the tail light and wanted to confirm if these are the right ones to get from superbrightleds.com

   74-x Wedge Base LED bulb  for the idiot lights except the turn signal light.
   74-x Wedge Base LED bulb  for the speedo and tach lights
        1157-R19W6 Motorcycle Tail LED bulb for the tail lights
        WLED-x4 LED bulb with 32degree angle for turn signals since it is non-polarized
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR&keywords=&cart_id=884232.3616&next=50
The above link has all four bulbs.
If anyone has done these, please confirm and please give me some information about the four turn signals and the headlights as well.
I also lost the blue plastic cover for the high beam, as a result, it is the bulb that is staring at me. Any ideas where I can get the cover instead of getting the whole new socket?
Thanks, any replies are much appreciated.

Libin Daniel
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 04, 2010, 11:55:22 AM
BUMP!
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 13, 2010, 08:10:08 PM
Has some one done this before? Please help.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: Homer on August 13, 2010, 08:32:47 PM
Yeah, that looks about right.  Just make sure the bulb color matches the lens color. 
Can't buy just the single lens covers.  Gotta catch somebody selling a used one. 
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: gunnerz101 on August 14, 2010, 08:13:32 PM
Quote from: libindaniel2000 on August 03, 2010, 11:13:31 PM
   74-x Wedge Base LED bulb  for the idiot lights except the turn signal light.
        74-x Wedge Base LED bulb  for the speedo and tach lights 

For the idiot lights those are correct the 74-x, for the tach and speedo, you need the 194 ones, i used WLEDx-5, i bought mine from superbrightleds as well. for the idiot lights all the 74-x bulbs are polarized so you can't put one in the turn signal because only one side will blink, i left my original bulb in the turn signal, upgraded the rest. Here is how mine is set up..
(http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo177/gunnerz101/GS500F/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMjUtMjAxMDA4MTItMjAxOC5qcGc.jpg)

Hope this helps,
Gunnerz
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 15, 2010, 02:37:02 PM
Thanks for the reply. I got non-polarized bulbs from superbrightleds.com and we will see how it comes out.
Here is my order:
  2 | WLED-x5 LED  Wide Angle LED bulb
        Blue WLED-B5 0.75 for the gauges
------------------------------------------------------------
  1 | WLED-x-x LED bulb                       
        120 Degree  Blue WLED-B-x 0.60 for high beam, so that it is not too bright.
------------------------------------------------------------
  1 | WLED-x6 LED bulb                     
        Red WLED-R6  for the oil light
------------------------------------------------------------
  2 | WLED-x6 LED bulb                       
        Green WLED-G6 1.15 for indiator and neutral lights.
Hopefully, I will have pictures of before and after.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 18, 2010, 09:37:02 PM
Hey guys and girls!
I finally got the LEDs and some time to post this as well.
Well worth the effort!
So,here it is:
1)take off the main bolts and save the washer, bolt, nut and the wire holder.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030186.jpg)
2)Then, remove the speedo and tach cables. It should be snug enough that you can just twist it and no tools will be needed to take them off.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030189.jpg)
3)Flip the unit. The pictures shows the nuts to take off and also at the tach/speedo cables. Keep all this at a safe place
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030190.jpg)
4) Once the bolts are removed, both the speedo and tach gauges come apart. Once that is done, bulbs can be replaced easily. Pull on the rubber part and the bulb should come out. Try not to pull the wire itself. Picture shows the bulb on right and its position on left. The arrow points at the bulb's cavity. Swap both of them with the WLED x5 LEDs. I got blue ones!
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030191.jpg)
5) Do the same with the instrument panel lights. Make sure that the turn signal LED is not polarized. Make note of the positions. It is easier as the wire colors are etched on the plastic plate.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030192.jpg)
LEDS!
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030193.jpg)
6) Before reinstalling, check to see if it works. Word of Caution: The gauge LEDs are pretty snug, so when pulling at the rubber part, be careful as the LED might remain in the cavity. It is no big deal, though. A pair of long pliers or tweezers will pull it out.
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030194.jpg)
7) Reinstall everything in the same manner as the removal and remember to attach the cables! I forget it often! Stand back (or sit on your bike) and be amazed at the difference!
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030195.jpg)
8) At night
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030197.jpg)
(http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/libindaniel2000/LEDs%20on%20my%20bike/P1030199.jpg)
In the last picture, you can see a tinge of green. It does that during normal riding. That tinge comes from the neutral light. For some reason, it is always there. I am guessing, the reduced current requirement is the reason.
Anyways, it is not confusing as the neutral light is pretty bright when it is active and it always flashes once when you shift from 1st to 2nd or vice versa.

I like it!
What do you think?

Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: plewis51 on August 19, 2010, 05:18:47 AM
Awesome! Thanks for posting everything I need to switch mine out. However, will the blinker indicator work properly? Great write up and pictures!
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: Numb on August 19, 2010, 06:25:33 AM
Thanx for the how to!! I just ordered the leds last night ans this walk through will come in handy no doubt! Im getting red. Ill post pics when im done, seems like everyone gets blue, They do look cooler but i want red to match my fairings
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: zirconx on August 19, 2010, 10:27:55 AM
So whats the benefit of switching to LEDs?  Is it just to get a custom color, or are they brighter, or is it reduced power consumption?
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: Twism86 on August 19, 2010, 10:40:00 AM
Quote from: zirconx on August 19, 2010, 10:27:55 AM
So whats the benefit of switching to LEDs?  Is it just to get a custom color, or are they brighter, or is it reduced power consumption?
I would say all of the above.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: gunnerz101 on August 19, 2010, 10:48:27 AM
Quote from: zirconx on August 19, 2010, 10:27:55 AM
So whats the benefit of switching to LEDs?  Is it just to get a custom color, or are they brighter, or is it reduced power consumption?
pretty much all the above, they use less power and they are alot brighter than stock bulbs.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 19, 2010, 11:00:16 AM
The only thing with blinker indicator is that it needs to be non-polarzied. WLED x6 from superbrightleds.com are non-polarized, so that is good.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: libindaniel2000 on August 19, 2010, 11:01:43 AM
Quote from: Numb on August 19, 2010, 06:25:33 AM
Thanx for the how to!! I just ordered the leds last night ans this walk through will come in handy no doubt! Im getting red. Ill post pics when im done, seems like everyone gets blue, They do look cooler but i want red to match my fairings
Thanks all of you!
Do post some pics!
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: plewis51 on August 19, 2010, 11:02:20 AM
Thanks libi! I have my cart ready for order. My speedo light burned out so might as well replace them all.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: proview3r on August 19, 2010, 03:03:13 PM
looks awesome :)
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: The Cable Guy on September 14, 2010, 02:24:48 PM
So which one to get for the tail/brake light? :)
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: The Cable Guy on September 14, 2010, 02:51:17 PM
Oh, and also, the little running light directly under the main headlamp, mines out. I'm sure I can get an LED replacement right? Which one would fit? Sorry for all the questions, thanks!
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: ragecage23 on September 14, 2010, 02:52:03 PM
the LEDs are just plug and play?
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: The Cable Guy on September 14, 2010, 03:17:45 PM
Quote from: ragecage23 on September 14, 2010, 02:52:03 PM
the LEDs are just plug and play?

I believe so :)
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: chris0055 on September 14, 2010, 03:29:07 PM
This is AWESOME!!

I just ordered my LED last week, and it might take up to 2 weeks to get to here.

Was about to do my research on the forum for the installation and BANG!! you just save me an hour or possibly more.

are all the WLED-x6 ones all non-polarized?! :cookoo:
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on September 14, 2010, 04:28:33 PM
Very nice! I need to do this.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: 007brendan on September 14, 2010, 05:01:09 PM
So did you get all 194 lights?  It looks like you originally were gonna get 74-x lights, but the only WLED's I see on superbrightleds.com are 194's.
Title: Re: Speedometer and Tachometer Lights
Post by: The Cable Guy on September 15, 2010, 11:03:11 AM
Still no word on tail/brake light and small lamp under headlight?